Drinking tube

ABSTRACT

A reusable and portable drinking tube for use by quadriplegics or otherwise immobilized or handicapped individuals that is attachable to any fluid reservoir and that allows for activation through minimal exertion of suction force due to a valved mouthpiece that allows for fluid to remain primed in the tube of the device when not in use.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to drinking devices. Moreparticularly, the present invention pertains to drinking devices thatfacilitate the drinking process for invalids and/or other people whocannot drink beverages from a container without assistance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Drinking straws are a well-known delivery system of drinkable liquidfrom a reservoir of fluid to the mouth of a person or animal forhydration. Several variations on the theme have been developed for avariety of situations. U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,780 by Forsman defines ahydration system for use by bicydists, runners and other athletes whileexercising. Similarly, Drzymkowski teaches in U.S. Pat. No. 1,699,729 ofa hands-free drinking system for use by bicyclists utilizing a bitevalve to open and close the drinking tube. Lee teaches of two inventionsin U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,745,949 and 6,360,912 that describe drinking tubeswith valve functions. The valve function allows for a drinking tube thatis sealed off when not in use and that is activated through the suctionof the person using the tube.

Essebggers in U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,090 describes a system designed toallow a person to drink pressurized and heated beverages withoutexposing the liquid to ambient conditions, thereby reducing the pressureand temperature of the drink. Hung describes a drinking tube system inU.S. Pat. No. 6,230,923 for use with baby bottles. Similarly, Dark, inU.S. Pat. No. 6,116,458, describes a sport-drinking cup with a valvedstraw cap. This invention employs a drinking tube that can be inactivated to an open position through the suction of the user. U.S. Pat.No. 5,265,769 by Wilson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,117 by Garvin and U.S. Pat.No. 4,576,336 by Cohen deceased et al all describes similar drinkingtubes.

Other novel applications of drinking tube technology include U.S. Pat.No. 6,325,116 by Savage et al that describes an adapter for providingfluid control between a canteen and a face mask fluid tube in the eventof outside contamination through nuclear, biological or chemical attack.Hwan in U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,226 describes a pet drinking device thatdelivers fluid to an animal through the use of gravity and a ball andwasher type valve system.

The drawback to the above-described hydration delivery systems is thatthey do not adequately meet the needs of persons with limited ability touse the delivery systems. Persons with physical handicaps not only havedifficulty holding the straws in their hands if they are quadriplegic orotherwise immobilized, but persons with these handicaps are oftenlimited in their ability to apply suction to a tube. Persons such asthese require a drinking tube that is designed to meet the particularpositioning needs of the person and that do not require a great deal ofsuction effort to deliver the fluid to their bodies.

Drinking tube systems designed to meet the particular needs ofhandicapped persons have been addressed in the prior art. In U.S. Pat.No. 5,878,954, Lyons describes a liquid dispensing device for personswith a limited ability to swallow. This invention involves the use of apump and an activation switch to deliver the fluid to the person.Edstrom Sr., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,405, teaches of a drinking devicefor handicapped persons involving a fluid reservoir and delivery tubethat is positioned over the head of the person receiving the hydrationand delivered through the use of gravity.

There exists, therefore, a need for a simple, portable fluid deliverydevice to handicapped persons that can be primed to hold fluid withoutthe individual needing to apply more than minimal pressure throughsuction, that does not need to be positioned over the person's head andthat does not require an external pump and activation switch for use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a drinking tube isdescribed that allows an immobilized or handicapped person to deliverfluid to his or her body without the use of his or her hands and withoutneeding to apply more than minimal sucking force because the drinkingtube is designed to hold fluid in the tube while not in use after it hasbeen “primed.” The device is attachable to most typical drinkingreservoirs through the use of a fastening means. The fluid is drawn upinto an inflexible portion and then drawn downward through the tubetowards a flexible portion that is positionally modifiable toward amouthpiece containing a valve that activates the flow of the fluid. Whenthe mouthpiece valve is closed, fluid from the reservoir remains in thetube thereby allowing the user to re-activate the device withoutapplying more than minimal sucking force.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The principal object of the invention is to provide a means for aquadriplegic or otherwise immobilized individual to receive hydrationthrough a tube attachable to a fluid reservoir that requires minimalsuction force to activate.

It is another object of the invention to provide a drinking tube that ismodifiable for attachment to any conventional fluid reservoir, such as adrinking cup, bottle or can.

It is another object of the invention to provide the immobilized orhandicapped individual the ability to adjust the location of themouthpiece of the drinking tube for easiest access.

Numerous other advantages and features of and various means forpracticing the invention will become apparent from the detaileddescription of the preferred embodiment of the invention, from theclaims, and from the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals areused to designate like parts shown in different figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention will be best understood from theaccompanying Figures, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar characters refer to similar parts, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the drinking tube of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece valve for thedrinking tube of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the sprocket for the mouthpiecevalve in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is the same view as FIG. 2, but with fluid flowing through themouthpiece valve during operation of the drinking tube.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of themouthpiece valve for the drinking tube of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ENABLING AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the Figures, the drinking tube of the invention isshown and is generally designated by reference character 10. Thedrinking tube includes an inflexible section 12 that is releasably andselectively connected to a flexible section 14, which is furtherconnected to mouthpiece valve 16. The inflexible section, flexiblesection and the mouthpiece valve cooperate in a manner hereinafterdescribed to facilitate the drinking of liquids by invalids,quadriplegics and other people who might have difficulty drinking aliquid from a container without assistance.

As shown in the Figures, the inflexible section comprises a straightportion 18 that is angled at lower horizontal end 19 to conform to thecontour of the bottom of container 24. At the other end, the straightportion merges upwardly into an arcuate trap portion 20 that terminatesat outlet end 28. The straight portion and trap portion of the devicecombine to give the inflexible section a somewhat candy cane-likeappearance when viewed in side elevation. To steady the drinking tubeduring operation, the inflexible portion is fixed to the sidewall ofcontainer 24 with an adjustable clip 22 or other suitable fasteningmeans.

In the preferred embodiment, the straight section is made of a hardinflexible plastic material. Examples of such materials includeindustrial plastics and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) materials. Itis to be appreciated, however, that other materials can be used for theinflexible section without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

As mentioned above and shown in FIG. 1, the tube includes flexiblesection 14. The flexible section comprises a flexible tube having amating end 26 that is preferably releasably connected to an outlet end28 of the inflexible section. The outlet end is internally ribbed tomore effectively hold the mating end therein. Alternatively, the matingend could be permanently fixed to the outlet end of the inflexible tubethrough any number of means such as sonic welding, gluing and the like.

The flexible section is preferably made of a tubing materials which areflexible enough so that it can be formed and bent into different shapes,yet which has sufficient structural strength so that once the flexiblesection is manipulated, it retains the desired shape. Preferably, theflexible section is provided as a coiled section of tubing that can becut to a given length according to distance of the container from theuser. This allows for use of the drinking tube without requiringre-positioning of the container and/or inflexible section.

After being cut, the flexible section can then be shaped and formed formaximum convenience of the user. Once the flexible section has thedesired shape, a plurality of adjustable headset clips 62 (for clarity,only one headset clip 62 is shown in FIG. 1) allow for the flexiblesection to be fixed to a user-worn headset (not shown). This is animportant advantage of the drinking tube for quadriplegics and otherpeople who cannot use their extremities to move the container asdesired.

Preferably, surgical tubing made of a silicone, latex or neoprenematerial is envisioned for the flexible section, although other types ofmaterials are also suitable, provided the tubing could be manipulated asdescribed above.

Referring primarily now to FIGS. 2-4, the mouthpiece valve is shown ingreater detail. As shown, the mouthpiece valve comprises an internallyribbed mouthpiece inlet portion 32, which tapers and narrows into avalve mid-portion 34, which further merges into a tapered mouthpieceoutlet portion 36. For assembly, the mouthpiece inlet portion 32 isattached to the mouthpiece end 30 of flexible section 14 by urgingmouthpiece end 30 into an inlet chamber 38 defined in mouthpiece inletportion 32. Once in place, the internal ribs of inlet portion 32 holdthe mouthpiece end 30 in place. Alternatively, the mouthpiece can befixed to the flexible section by sonic welding, adhesives or other meansas known in the prior art.

In FIGS. 2-3, it can be seen that orifice 42 provides a path of fluidcommunication between inlet chamber 38 and a valve chamber 40 that isformed in valve mid-portion 34. At the opposite end of valve mid-portion34 from orifice 42, the valve chamber is bounded by an annular shoulder44. A mouthpiece lumen 46 outlet portion provides a path of fluidcommunication from the valve chamber through the mouthpiece outletportion 36.

As shown in the FIGS. 2-3, the mouthpiece valve preferably includes aninternal sprocket 51 and a resilient member 48 that interconnects thesprocket with a poppet 50. The poppet comprises a bell portion 53 thatmerges into stem 76, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Preferably, the sprocket, resilient member and poppet valve (and theoverall mouthpiece valve) are manufactured as a single, integralstructure by injection molding or similar-type process. It is to beappreciated, however, that the sprocket, resilient member and poppetvalve could be manufactured separately and then assembled within thevale chamber 40.

As perhaps best seen in FIG. 2A, sprocket 51 comprises a transverse hoopmember 64 and a plurality of cross-members 66 that interconnect the hoopmember with a concentric center disc 68. An annular gap 72 isestablished between the center plate 68 and hoop member 64 to allow forfluid through the sprocket 51 during operation of the drinking device. Afirst end 52 of the resilient member 48 is connected to/seated on centerdisc 68 within valve chamber 40, and the poppet is connected to/seatedon second end 54 of resilient member 48 so that the stem 76 of poppet 50extends into the coil formed by the resilient member.

The resilient member is biased so that the poppet is urged againstorifice 36. This isolates valve chamber 40 from mouthpiece inlet chamber38 and prevents fluid flow through the mouthpiece valve unless anoutside force is exerted on the resilient member.

To exert an outside force on the mouthpiece, the user places his/herlips (not shown) on the mouthpiece outlet portion (to establish asubstantially airtight seal on the mouthpiece outlet portion) andinhales. When this occurs, a force is placed on the resilient memberthat compresses the resilient member and moves poppet 50 away fromorifice 42. The poppet moves away until stem 76 contacts center disc 68,as shown in FIG. 3. This allows for liquid 56 to be drawn from reservoir58 in container 24. Importantly, the stem and center disc configurationensures that the poppet moves the same distance each and every time anoutside force is exerted on the mouthpiece. Stated differently, the samesize gap between poppet 50 and orifice 42 is established every time thatallows the user to control the flow rate of fluid out of the mouthpiece.

The drawn liquid from reservoir 58 is transported through inflexiblesection, flexible section and into the mouthpiece valve. Within themouthpiece valve, the liquid is drawn through the mouthpiece inletchamber 38, valve chamber 40, through mouthpiece lumen 46 and into theuser.

Once the inhaling action is stopped, the biased resilient member regainsits original shape. When this occurs, the poppet 50 re-seats againstabutment 74 and plugs orifice 42, which stops further fluid flow throughthe drinking tube.

Because of the structure described above for the inflexible section, thearcuate portion provides an “inverse trap” effect and fluid from thereservoir remains in the inflexible section and the flexible section.Stated differently, the drinking tube retains fluid in the inflexibleportion of the tube and essentially keeps fluid in the inflexiblesection and flexible section to keep the drinking tube “primed.” Whenthe drinking tube is operated again, less effort is required to obtainfluid from the reservoir. This is an important advantage for thedrinking tube for people who are very weak and do not have the lungcapacity to provide an overly effective inhaling action.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment for the mouthpiecevalve is shown. Specifically, a pair of flexible tonsils 60, 60 extendinwardly into the valve chamber 40 from the orifice end of the valvemid-portion 34. The tonsils 60, 60 are biased so that they contact eachother to thereby provide a watertight seal between the valve chamber andmouthpiece inlet chamber to prevent fluid flow through the mouthpiece inthe absence of an outside force exerted on the mouthpiece valve.

During operation, the user establishes an airtight seal on themouthpiece outlet section as described above and inhales to draw fluidthrough the tube. When this occurs, the tonsils are urged away from eachother, which further establishes a fluid flow path through theinflexible section, flexible section and mouthpiece valve as describedabove to allow the user to drink fluid from the drinking tube. Once theoutside force due to the inhaling action is removed, the tonsils regaintheir original shape to re-establish the watertight seal to therebyprevent leakage out of the drinking tube when not in use. Further, fluidremains in the inflexible section and flexible section, and the drinkingtube remains primed as described to facilitate further use of the tube.

While the particular drinking tube, as herein shown and disclosed indetail, is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing theadvantages above state, it is to be understood that the presentlypreferred embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention and nolimitations are intended therefor.

1. A drinking device comprising a flexible section comprising a flexibletube having a releasable mating end; an inflexible section releasablyconnected to said flexible section through a releasable connection to anoutlet end, said outlet end being internally ribbed and said inflexiblesection comprising a straight portion having one end that is angled at alower horizontal designed to be submersed in fluid for drinking andhaving the other end merge upwardly into an arcuate trap portion thatterminates at an outlet end; a mouthpiece valve connected to saidflexible section; fastening means for attachment to the sidewall of afluid container.
 2. A drinking device according to claim 1 wherein saidflexible section is provided as a coiled section of tubing that can becut to a given length according to the distance of the fluid containerfrom the user.
 3. A drinking device according to claim 1 wherein saidmouthpiece comprises: an internally ribbed mouthpiece inlet portion,which tapers and narrows into a valve mid-portion, which further mergesinto a tapered mouthpiece outlet portion, said mouthpiece inlet portionbeing attached to said mouthpiece end of said flexible section by urgingsaid mouthpiece end into an inlet chamber defined in said mouthpieceinlet portion and further providing an orifice that provides a path offluid communication between said inlet chamber and said valve chamberthat is formed in a valve mid-portion, said valve mid-portion having anend opposite from said orifice, said valve chamber being bounded by anannular shoulder; a mouthpiece lumen with an outlet portion thatprovides a path of fluid communication from said valve chamber throughsaid mouthpiece outlet portion; an internal sprocket; a poppetcomprising a bell portion that merges into a stem; a resilient memberthat interconnects said sprocket with said poppet.
 4. A method ofdelivering drinkable fluids to a person limited in his or her ability tohold a straw or exert a large amount of force comprising the placementof a user's lips on a mouthpiece outlet portion of a drinking devicesaid drinking device comprising a mouthpiece outlet portion; a flexiblesection comprising a flexible tube having a releasable mating end; aninflexible section releasably connected to said flexible section througha releasable connection to an outlet end, said outlet end beinginternally ribbed and said inflexible section comprising a straightportion having one end that is angled at a lower horizontal designed tobe submersed in fluid for drinking and having the other end mergeupwardly into an arcuate trap portion that terminates at an outlet end;a mouthpiece valve connected to said flexible section; fastening meansfor attachment to the sidewall of a fluid container. inhalation by theuser.
 5. A method according to claim 4 wherein said flexible section isprovided as a coiled section of tubing that can be cut to a given lengthaccording to the distance of the fluid container from the user.
 6. Amethod according to claim 4 wherein said mating end is permanently fixedto said outlet end of said inflexible tube.
 7. A method according toclaim 4 wherein a plurality of adjustable headset clips are included toallow for said flexible section to be fixed to a user-worn headset